England recall Alexander-Arnold and Palmer as Foden misses out

England have recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Alex Scott and Rio Ngumoha, while Phil Foden was omitted from the squad listed by The Guardian. Thomas Tuchel said Alexander-Arnold would be used at right-back, as questions remained over the defender’s recent form and international future.

England have recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer for the upcoming international break, with Alex Scott and Rio Ngumoha also included. Phil Foden is absent from the squad, according to the team announcement reported by The Guardian.

Jordan Pickford, James Trafford and Jason Steele were named as the goalkeepers. The defensive group includes Alexander-Arnold, Jarrod Branthwaite, Trevor Chalobah, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Nico O’Reilly and Jarrell Quansah.

Jude Bellingham, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson join Palmer and Scott in midfield. Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers are among the forwards.

The Guardian reported that Tuchel was clear Alexander-Arnold had been selected as a right-back rather than a midfielder. The defender had not been selected since June 2025 and has experienced an unsettled period at Real Madrid, where he has been managed by José Mourinho.

Writing for The Guardian, Jacob Steinberg described the recall as “intriguing if slightly perplexing” and questioned whether Alexander-Arnold had fully regained the England manager’s trust. Steinberg said the player’s challenge was to remain in contention for November by performing for England, while Tuchel told newcomers that selection needed to be followed by performances in an England shirt.

The squad announcement also included 15-year-old Ngumoha. The Guardian separately reported that Manchester United are resisting a request from another teenage player, JJ Gabriel, to be de-registered, while manager Michael Carrick urged caution over the public scrutiny surrounding the situation. Carrick said the player’s wellbeing was the priority and that the matter would resolve itself.